We had Dad's radiation consult yesterday afternoon. It was the longest doctor's visit yet. The appointment was at 1 and we didn't leave until around 3:30. The same questions were asked that were asked at the last few doctor's visits. He went through yet another full physical exam, weighed him, got his height, etc. Dr. Ziegler said that Dad's prostrate was enlarged so that's another doctor's visit that he will need to make so that he can make sure that everything's okay with that. We also watched an 8 minute video over radiation and what it's all about. Technology has come a long way in 10 years time (when grandpa Bob went through it before he passed away.) Radiation is used to kill the cells in the effected area, but it will also kill some of the good cells that are around the area as well. We learned that they will shoot the radiation in 4 different directions into his pelvic area (from the front, back, and each side.) It is painless and takes less than 5 minutes, however eventually he could have some "not so fun" side effects. Dr. Ziegler is his radiation oncology doctor and he said usually the most common is diarrhea and nausea as far as radiation. Skin irritation would be a strong second. Dad's skin is already prone to irritation/dry skin/etc so that's something we are going to have to watch. He has also had diarrhea frequently in the last few weeks - some due to all the stuff he's had to drink for tests, etc. and some are just early morning fits he has so we are going to have to keep a hold on that as well. Dehydration is never a good thing. While with the radiation doctor, he scheduled the "scanning" where they permanently tattoo small dots on the outer skin in the 4 locations where the radiation will be administered. He goes in tomorrow (Wednesday) to have this done. Once he actually gets into the appointment, back, the actual procedure takes about 5 minutes. He will start his doses of radiation on Monday or Tuesday. This also means he will start chemo at that time. So after we finished with the radiation doctor they sent us down the hall a ways to Dr. Nemeah to get his prescription for the chemo pills.
We found out he will be taking 3 of the pills in the morning and 3 of them in the evening after eating a meal. The major side effects for this are hand/foot syndrome and diarrhea/nausea. Hand/foot syndrome is where the hands and feet can become super red, dry, cracked, and irritated. If anyone knows my dad, you can already see that his hands are already this way so it should get interesting. :( On that note, the people at the Cancer Center in Lawton are super to help you in any way possible. The RN helping explain the side effects of the medicine, gave Dad a goodie bag with some lotion, and other helpful information about the medicine. The same nurse, Zara, called 2 different pharmacies for us to find out who carried the drug he is needing. My mom was concerned about the out of pocket price they would have to pay since this drug is over $2000 to purchase. My parent's usual pharmacy doesn't order or get this drug due to the cost of it. It turns out that Dad's primary insurance pays for most of it, only $150 out of pocket and then they received at least $2000 for the chemo treatments from the cancer policy my mom carries. So, sort of making money on this, however I'm certain there will be bills along the way that will need to be paid with that money with all the procedures, surgery, etc. No one has mentioned the cost of the radiation part of it yet so that's another thing to look into.
After the appointment, we were all hungry since none of us had lunch beforehand. We met Sarah at Texas Roadhouse for lunch. It was our first visit to the new restaurant in Lawton and we enjoyed both the food and atmosphere. This week started the Comanche County Tournament. My niece, Taylor, and the Lady Owls beat Fletcher last night and will play again on Thursday against Cache. Hopefully we will play better this go around. Hunter did his announcement again last night at the Coliseum. Before the game, I went and got a new phone since I left mine in the diaper bag and milk leaked out onto the top of my phone. Sticky keys NEVER work. Thank goodness, I was up for a new phone. Mom also upgraded her phone and we got Dad his first personal cell phone. He is not the least bit technology savvy so this should be interesting! :) We just wanted him to have it in the case of him driving himself to treatments, etc. (although I doubt this will ever happen.)
After the game, I barely got home before the stomach bug/virus hit me. It's NOT fun. So, here I sit at home in my pj's, food less, pondering another nap. I'm praying the boys do NOT get it again. This bug is yucky and highly contagious. I just want it to go away. I slept most of the morning, caught up on The Bachelor (I know, it's junk and I shouldn't be watching it. However, I do hope it's Emily. She is so sweet, pure, and just precious. I am always wrong and my pick never seems to be the one except I did pick the last one that went through, so who knows? I am keeping my fingers crossed for Emily.)
